For years I kept journals -- in composition, spiral bound, and French graph paper books. This blog is an attempt to get back to writing and documenting the world around me using photos, newspaper headlines, and other articles.

Thursday, June 30, 2011

Homework

I'm sitting on the bed surrounded by paper - my notebook, photocopy of the PowerPoint slides from this module, Case Studies Part One and Two, fictitious country briefing book, immigrant visa classification chart, family relationship bubble diagram, and an appendix to the Foreign Affairs Manual.  I have worked on three of the Case Studies in Part Two but I still have three more to go.  I don't envision finishing them tonight, as it is already 8:15.  That means I have to bring them home with me if I can't get to them done tomorrow.  Sigh. 

Tomorrow is going to be a full day.  We have lectures and systems training starting early and running right through 4:25.  Today I had from 11:30 until 3:00 to finish reading the 237 page document (which you can't print out and read when convenient) and begin the Case Studies, Part Two.  I didn't finish the reading assignment.  I got close and can probably finish if I take the 7:00 am shuttle tomorrow morning.  That will give me 1 1/2 hours in the computer area before the lecture starts.  I feel like I'm on a really fast escalator and I'm just a bit slow, not quite hitting every step when I should be.  Test number two is next Wednesday.

I get to haul my carry-on luggage with me tomorrow since I will be going straight to Union Station from FSI in the afternoon.  I will take the train to the Baltimore airport and fly from there to Manchester.  I'll take the non-convenient BWI for $250 on Southwest then the ultra-easy Reagan National and the US Air shuttle for $850 any day.  I can't wait to see my guys tomorrow night!  I'm so excited!

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Beautiful day in the neighborhood

A cooling breeze blew through this morning.  The humidity left and it in its place - nice, dry, heat.  I thought it so nice that I walked home from the FSI shuttle on 15th street this evening. 

I did something today that I usually don't do - introduced myself.  I have been following a blog for the past year or so by a wife of a diplomatic security agent who has been at FSI for language study before going to post.  Both of them, actually, have been in language training for 30+ weeks.  Anyway, last night I saw on her blog that she passed her language test two days ago and her husband passed his yesterday.  Since she passed the language, she was eligible to enroll in the Congen class that started this morning.  So before I started class today, I saw her at the computers in our work area.  I went up to her and apologized if I was blog stalking, but I wanted to congratulate her on her language test.  She was so gracious and didn't appear to be creeped out.

I have to study tonight.  The material is coming at me fast and furiously.  As the days go on, we have less time for independent study built into our schedule.  I'm glad I have been able to maintain discipline and use those blocks of time to work on the case study assignments.  But today I didn't get enough done.  I'm feeling the pressure of this module, for sure.

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

One day closer to home

I used the hotel gym this morning for the first time.  Since I was going to State this morning and could use the hotel shuttle to the metro, I decided to get up at the same time and use the treadmill to compensate for the missed walk.  I enjoyed starting my day that way.  I would rather sweat while trying to push my body on purpose than just standing still outside in this oppressive heat and humidity.

The meeting with the program coordinator went well.  I'm a step closer to knowing when I will be going overseas.  He wants be to leave between mid-August and October for at least a month.  Now I have to coordinate with my office and of course, the family and Selim's new school.  Once I have a time frame of when I can go, that will determine my options. 

Today we started a new training module with a new instructor.  He is great.  He speaks clearly and stops and asks if we are OK before moving on.  The material is mostly new and it is complicated.  I appreciated his mantra of "No shame, no shame, ask.  Are we good here?  OK, moving on..."  He said that it would be understandable if we were a bit unsure up until Friday lunch.  But if we still were confused, we could ask to meet with him for extra help.  Nice to know it might take a few days for the information to sink in and be comfortable with it.

On the way home today there was a farmer's market going on a few blocks from the metro.  Oh my.  The produce looked so beautiful.  In retrospect, I should have bought a couple of cukes and tomatoes, but I was too hot to think clearly.  I did buy some berries and cheese crackers.  I passed on the hand made cheese, artisan breads and jam that were also appealing.  One vendor said that he is there every Tuesday.  Maybe next week I will bring my shopping bag.  I wonder what is happening in my garden.  Only three more days and I will see for myself!  Woot!

Monday, June 27, 2011

#44

I ate out tonight in honor of my 44th birthday.  I shouldn't have, as the Mexican was really bad. Oh well.  At least the chips and salsa that come before the meal tasted fresh.  I should have guessed when my meal came about 2 minutes after placing my order that something was awry.  The cheese in the cheese enchilada was congealed and thick.  Yucky.  I will not be going back.

In better news, I passed my test today.  I got one question wrong.  Had I not gone back and reviewed my answers, I would have gotten that one correct.  I changed it upon further review.  But, I would have gotten another one wrong because I had read the question incorrectly.  Either way, I would have scored the same.  I'm happy to have that one under my belt. 

Tomorrow I head over to one of the State Department buildings, not Main State, but another place.  Since I made my dry run over the weekend, the only thing that is uncertain is how long the metro ride will be during the rush hour.  I don't usually take the metro in the morning.  I'm in the habit of walking to the FSI shuttle 12 blocks away.  I haven't decided what to wear yet.  I don't think I need to put on the suit, but I probably will pull out the heals from the closet.

In sporting news, both William sisters are out at Wimbledon.  They haven't played in months, so it isn't a huge surprise that they would lose in the second week.  And Boston won last night preventing a sweep by the Pirates.  I think they are a 1/2 game behind the Yankees.  Before I leave, I want to go to a Washington Nationals game.  I think the cheap tickets are only $5.  The metro ride will be more expensive than the game.  Go figure.

Sunday, June 26, 2011

Embassy Row

This morning  I took a walk along Massachusetts Avenue nicknamed Embassy Row.  I didn't stray too far and explore the side streets for the Embassies that are a block or two off.  I'll have to save that and the Embassies of Britain and Finland for some other day.  It got too hot for me to continue and I didn't have water with me. 

That was a walk that I could do over and over again.  I love buildings and these are some of the most interesting in a one or two mile stretch.  I had so much fun.  I took over 80 pictures.  I tried to get the country plaque but I wasn't always successful.  There was something about the Embassy of the Kyrgyz Republic that I took pictures of it when I was starting my walk and then when I came back.  It is bright white and the plants around the doorway are beautiful.  The Embassy of Estonia is really cute.  The front facade is very narrow and then the building expands out.  I called Nedim when I got to the Embassy of Turkey.  There is a big statue of Mustafa Ataturk in front.  It is too bad that they have big iron gates protecting their entry way.  I couldn't get a close up shot of their doorway. 


Embassy of Kyrgyz


Embassy of Estonia

Embassy of Turkey

Me in front of the Embassy of Turkey
Of the non-Embassy buildings, the Islamic Cultural Center was a standout.  The doorman let me into the courtyard, even though I was wearing shorts.  I felt awkward, so I took a few pictures and left.  Next time I'll be wearing pants so that I can go in and see the tile work.  The other building that I found stunning was the Turkish Ambassador's Residence.  What a building!  Their ambassador is a lucky man.  I just loved it.


Islamic Cultural Center

Architectural Detail

Turkish Embassy Residence

Residence Entryway


Next time I will have to start out earlier or go on a day that isn't so warm.  By the time I got to Rock Creek Park, I was dragging.  I walked on to the Italian Embassy and Embassy Brazil, but that was it.  I had to turn around.  And I missed the Embassy Finland which is supposed to be very impressive in its modern design.  Next time...

I walked back to Dupont Circle and couldn't find anything to eat.  Most places were still serving brunch at 11:30 and I didn't feel like that type of food.  I stopped into a CVS and bought more band aids and a bottle of water.  I walked down P street and stopped at a bus sign.  There was a guy waiting for the bus who was carrying a Department of State bag.  That was all the opener I needed.  I asked him if I was at the right stop to get to Georgetown.  I was.  He got off the bus at my stop and told me how to get back to either the Rosslyn or Foggy Bottom Metro stations.  So helpful. 

I felt really out of place in Georgetown.  I wasn't wearing Gucci loafers or any other high end foot wear or clothing.  Designer preppy I am not.  I did enjoy seeing the shops and the different architecture, but I didn't linger.  I walked down Wisconsin Ave to M St, then over the Francis Scott Key Bridge to the Rosslyn Metro. 

Back at the hotel today I did laundry, swam in the tiny pool and enjoyed a few minutes in a lounge chair on the poolside terrace.  I bought my plane tickets home for next weekend and have spent some time putting captions on my pictures.  Now it is time for some fruit salad and reviewing for my big test tomorrow.

Saturday, June 25, 2011

Our Nation's Capitol

The last time I was in DC was the spring of 1987 when I came down on a bus from Mt. Holyoke and took part in a demonstration on the Mall to get the US to divest from South Africa to encourage the end of Apartheid.  Otherwise, the only other time I had been to any monuments was the summer of 1975.

I tried not to get impatient today when I fell behind a crowd of slow movers.  Deep breaths, no rush.  This was my relaxed day.  I didn't have a set itinerary; I went where I wanted to. 

The first stop on the DC side of river was the Foggy Bottom metro stop.  I did a dry run of finding my way to one of the State buildings. Good thing I did.  I got turned around and walked towards Main State when I got to E street, but that was not the right direction.  I was supposed to have turned the other way.  I backtracked and finally found it.  There was a nice employee going into the building who asked me if I was lost.  Nothing like a map to give me away.  I explained that I had a Tuesday meeting and he went over the protocol for getting into the building.  Then he pointed me in the direction of the Kennedy Center.

One tip I learned today, the buildings and museums don't open until 10:00.  If you show up at 9:30 you don't get to look around.  I decided to take the tour of the Kennedy Center.  It went on longer than I wanted it to, although I was trying to live in the moment and not get antsy.  But I wanted to get on with things and walk more quickly.  However, I did have fun sitting in the theater that I see every year on TV when I watch the Kennedy Center Honors.  It is smaller in real life.  The donated art work from various countries is really impressive, especially the woven tapestries from Mexico and the Waterford crystal chandeliers from Ireland.  From the top terrace there is a 360 panoramic view.  The tour guide pointed out Georgetown, the National Cathedral, the tall tower by the Marine Corps Monument in Arlington, and the Air Force Memorial by the Pentagon.  I also liked all the chandeliers and the Hall of Nations.

From there I walked along the Potomac to the Lincoln Memorial.  The Reflecting Pool is torn up and isn't such a pretty place for reflection.  Next up was the Vietnam Memorial.  At first I was more moved by the families there who had found their loved ones names on the wall.  But, by the end the volume of names became overwhelming in their simplicity and stark relief from the black granite panels.  I couldn't help but be moved.

I followed the path past the Constitution Gardens.  Lots of geese taking baths.  And then it was the World War II Memorial.  The water from the fountains created a cooling air mass and I joined the hundreds of others and took off my shoes and stuck my feet in the fountain base.  Sitting there I had a clear view of the Lincoln Memorial and when I turned around, the Washington Monument was right there.  I walked passed the Washington Monument, but didn't get up to the base.

As I passed by the National Museum of American History,  I bought a bottle of Gatorade and contemplated my map.  I decided to head back to the hotel.  As I walked towards the metro, I passed an advertisement with a picture of Michelle Obama's inauguration dress.  That got my attention.  I walked around to the front of the building, threw out my empty bottle and entered.   One nice feature of free museums is there isn't the pressure to take in the whole place to get your money's worth.  Instead you can pay a donation and move on.  The exhibit was great.  There is a wall of sketched of the inaugural dresses that is really fun.  I loved the flapper dress of First Lady Coolidge.  One room has the inaugural ball dresses from Lady Bird Johnson to Michelle Obama.  There is another room with dresses and other items from Martha Washington and others.  There is a dress of First Lady Helen Taft that is gorgeous.  All through the exhibit I kept wishing my female family members were there with me.  Don't think Selim or Nedim would have appreciated the dresses as much as my sister would have.

By then my feet had had enough.  I picked up the metro at the Smithsonian stop and rode the blue line back to Crystal City.  I didn't have to wait long for the hotel shuttle.  By 4:00 I was back in my room and sound asleep at 4:30.  I woke up hungry, yet refreshed at 6:00. 

So I'm thinking tomorrow I might hike Embassy Row or the area around the Capitol.  Hopefully the humidity will be low(ish) tomorrow like it was today.

Friday, June 24, 2011

Friday!

Woo-hoo!  Made it to Friday.  Today was an easier day.  We didn't have any lectures, only exam prep and role playing.  I had lots of time in between to review the material and re-read our self-directed study guide.  At the end of the day I was thinking of standing in the back of the auditorium for the Flag Day ceremony (where the new class of Foreign Service Officers find out where they will be posted).  But when I saw wave after wave of people walking towards the building all dressed in fancy dresses or suits, I decided that my cropped pants and open toed sandals would not be appropriate attire.  I'm sure I will hear about it Monday morning on the shuttle.  Several of the regulars were going to be finding out their fate this afternoon.

Tonight is all about guide book review.  I need to plan my sight seeing.  I also want to do a dry run on finding Main State.  I have an appointment Tuesday morning with one of my program coordinators and I want to be there on time.  I know I get off at the Foggy Bottom metro stop, but from there, I'm not sure which way to go.  Also, since I have never been to the Vietnam Memorial, that is high on my list.  The weather is supposed to be a bit less humid, so I'm thinking I will get some walking in.

I can't wait to see my guys next week. Yesterday on the metro there was a family who had been to the baseball game.  Both boys were sound asleep and reminded me so much of Selim.  They were sprawled against their parents and clearly the sun and fun combined with the movement of the train made for sleepy boys.  Today there was a kid in a stroller, sound asleep, who had both his hands above his head, just like Selim.  I miss him so much.  This is hard.  I am not worried because I know he has so much love and support.  I just can't wait for my hug and kiss!

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Comments

OK, I may have fixed the comment problem.  I was able to add a test comment a minute ago.  To comment, click on the comment area and type whatever you want.  Then it has a drop down "comment as" box.  I used "anonymous" and it accepted my test.  It might take your email or name, but I didn't try that.  Then it asks for you to retype a word for security purposes.  Then you can post.  I went back in and removed the "test" so I think it might be working now.  Anyway, I welcome comments.

Hot and Humid

When the alarm went off at 5:20 and I heard it was 77 degrees in DC, I knew I was in for it.  I'm just not used to this level of heat and humidity this early in the morning.  When I started my walk to the shuttle at 6:30, it was already 80 out.  Really, is this necessary?  My feet are better today, but they are swollen, bleeding from blisters and I'm crabby about it.  Usually, I love my feet.  But not so much now.

I've been asked about pictures, so here are a few.  The first ones are of the hotel -- the kitchen, sleep area, and outside.





The next group in of the Foreign Service Institute.  Apparently they have a Canadian geese problem because they have these fake foxes all around.  I don't think they are doing the job effectively because I have seen the geese everywhere.  The campus is quite large.  I haven't been to all the areas.  I usually hang out in the courtyard by my building, or in and around the cafeteria tables. 

Cafeteria

Congen courtyard
FSI Building
 


I had a fun lunch today.  I was outside at a table by myself and after a few minutes, three ladies joined me.  Two are Foreign Service Officers and one works for US AID.  They are all in language training.  Soon they will be headed off to  Cape Verde, Guayaquil, and Mozambique.  They provided a lively lunch time conversation.  All three of them were eager to get to their new country.

Today I didn't do anything extra after work/training.  I just came back to the room.  I wanted off my feet and not to be carrying around my bag that contains my program folder, a notebook binder with case studies, journal/notebook, wallet, extra pair of shoes, camera, sun and distance glasses, water bottle, lunch sack, gum, pens, metro map, and lipstick.

The first day we were lectured about not writing/sharing any information  regarding what we are actually studying.  So I won't be sharing any of that information.  Just thought I would put that out there now.  But I will try to keep in touch by talking about the other aspects of life down here.

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Compliment?

At the lunch table today I was sharing my family pictures that I carry around with me.  After flipping through the book, my classmate asked, "Is the gray in your hair real or do you dye it for highlights?"  Her favorite picture was the one taken in Vienna two years ago right after I came out of the Turkish salon with my hair sprayed into a stiff up-do and my makeup a tad on the heavy side.  So I'm thinking it might not have been a compliment, but I'm not sure.

Speaking of fashion, why is it so hard to find a blouse or top that does not have ruffles?  I've been looking the past few days for something that is between a T-shirt and a must-iron button down blouse.  Everything inbetween has some sort of ruffle - at the neck, on the sleeves, across the chest.  Excuse me, but I don't need additional poofy fabric making me look even bigger than I already am.  I tried on so many tops today with no luck.  I did find a gorgeous pair of Coach black patent leather skinny heal shoes today at Nordstrom's Rack.  They were on sale, but not enough on sale for me to buy.  But man, were they sweet.

I bought two guide books and my metro/bus combo commuter pass today.  Tomorrow I might be able to come right home after training.  I think I have what I need right now.  The hotel has a laundry facility, so I don't need to go out for that.  I am going to need to be more focussed.  Tonight is my first with homework and we have our first exam coming up on Monday.  Since I'm not a Foreign Service Officer, I get one retest and if I don't pass after that, I'm out of the program.  Regular FSOs get to retake the class if they can't pass the test.  No pressure or anything.  

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Day 2

I shaved some time off of my commute this morning by walking directly to the FSI shuttle in Crystal City.  The mile walk at 6:30am is a good way to start the day.  It isn't too hot, plenty of people are about, and I feel virtuous for not taking a bus.  From the shuttle I saw the Washington Monument, Arlington Cemetery, The Marine Corps War Memorial which is also referred to as the Iwo Jima Memorial.  It is a quick 15 minute ride that passes very quickly.  I was able to get onto the computers and continue reading the required material that we can't bring home.

Adding a Whole Foods stop on the way home, however, adds an hour plus.  Especially when one isn't paying attention to the metro trains and gets onto the blue line instead of the orange and has to backtrack.  That aside, I found the market easily enough and managed to limit myself to 2 bags. That was hard.  The fruit was beautiful, take-out offerings plentiful for a vegetarian and the bread fresh.  I kept picking things up and putting them back because they weren't necessary items.  It is a bit of an undertaking to carry the bags the 5 blocks back up the hill, switch trains, and catch the shuttle back to the hotel.  Doing all that when it is 90 and humid isn't the most fun, but being able to eat fresh bread with hummus, carrots and grapes all in the privacy of my own room makes it worth while.

The next to-do items are getting a guide book and getting a smart pass that works for both buses and the metro.  It is supposed to be even hotter tomorrow, so I might not add on more outside adventures after work.  I still haven't done a tour of the pool or the gym.

Tomorrow will be the 1/2 way point for the first week.  I miss my guys.  This is really hard.  I'm trying to keep the bigger goal in mind.  Some moments are easier than others.

Monday, June 20, 2011

Learning Curve

I'm glad I heeded my intuition and did not wait for the hotel shuttle to take me to the metro station this morning.  Instead I walked the .8 mile to the Crystal City Station and was on the subway at 7:00.  I managed to transfer from the blue to the orange line and then get the city bus that stopped in front of FSI.  Including the walking, it took me a little over an hour to get to my destination this morning.  The bad part was that it was raining out and my feet blistered in my shoes.  I was way uncomfy the rest of the day.

The registration began at 8:15 and I was on time.  Just, on time.  I wore my black pinstripe suit dress and was not overdressed.  However, we can be more casual.  Not halters for the ladies (as if...), shorts or flip-flops.  Due to the blister situation, I may trek over in the forbidden footwear and at the last minute pull out the new sandals that won't rub when I get on campus.

I learned that FSI runs shuttles to a few key metro stops that will make my commute much easier in the morning.  Next up for tomorrow after training will be the grocery store.  I found that there is a Whole Foods on the orange line metro that seems like it shouldn't be too hard to find.  I need some tofu and fruit for the fridge.

I have a great room.  The hotel is new and the room is clean, spacious and really comfy.  It is furnished with dishes and a few pots and pans.  I'm looking forward to not eating out every night.  I have yet to visit the pool or fitness room.  I could move to a hotel closer to FSI, but I think I like this location.  My colleague from the Miami Passport Agency who is in the same training, is staying in some other extended stay hotel and he had to change rooms at 6:00am because his room had so many bugs.  No thank you.  I'll take my commute over bugs any day.

So, day one is in the books.  30 days of training to go.

Saturday, June 18, 2011

Emotional Roller Coaster

Yesterday morning I was sitting in one of the conference rooms at the hotel in Baltimore, listening to the President of the Graduate School talk about how sometimes you don't have a lot of time to make a decision.  That is when real leaders shine.  After his words of congratulations, I received my plaque and certificate for the completion of the Executive Leadership Program.  Then I went up to my room to change out of my suit into travel clothes and check out of the hotel.  I had left my cell phone in the room because it never rings and why carry it? 

As I'm packing I glance at my phone and see that I have 1 new message, "Hello Bethany.  I realize that this is short notice, but a vacancy has opened up at the Foreign Service Institute and we would like you to be there to start the ConGen class on Monday.  That is right, this Monday."

My heart sank.  I had been away from the family for a week already.  There was no way that my husband would agree for another 6 weeks as sole parent on duty.  But I called anyway and he displayed a level of selflessness that I would have a hard time reciprocating.  He told me to go for it.  He would be fine, and Selim would be fine.  His generosity shouldn't have surprised me, but it humbled me and reminded me that I married a man who loves me and supports my career.

I got in the taxi to the airport, called the man back and said I would do it.  I called my office and said the same and they got my travel orders started.  Then I cried.  And cried.  And cried.  The thought of six weeks of separation was too much for me to handle.  The high of graduation was fading into a wave of sadness and impending loneliness.  I got to the airport and checked in with nose running and eyes leaking.  I cried as I called my sister to tell the the good, yet overwhelming news.  I cried on the plane.  I cried more on the bus from Boston to Portsmouth, making an already uncomfortable ride even more so, since the bus had lost the AC and it was 86 degrees inside before we had even gotten on 95.

I didn't want to make the decision out of fear.  Fear that Selim would not be able to handle more weeks apart; that I would not be able to go on without the physical affection of my family and the support I get from them just by looking at their beautiful faces; that my husband might resent me for all this travel and putting my focus on my career instead of family.  I have tried to think that this will be the foundation for adventures abroad for us in years to come.  I am trying to put my trust in my Master that I have made the right decision and that my family will not suffer for my ambition.  It isn't easy for me.

So tomorrow I will do the laundry mountain, grocery shopping and repacking.  I will have to say goodbye again.  I look forward to taking steps towards my dream of working abroad.  At the same time, I am anticipating that the parting will test my resolve.

Monday, June 13, 2011

Unexpected Complement

Anybody who has known me since childhood knows that I have struggled with the English language.  I don't know if it stems from the move when I was in third grade from Laguna Beach, CA to Sanbornton, NH -- and I changed schools and methods of teaching.  But my early years were fraught with the struggle to spell, read, and make any sense out of my native language.  When I had to write a paper for English class, I would sit at the dining room table and cry.

It wasn't until my high school years when I studied Spanish that I discovered that the written word could be beautiful.  In Spanish I found a language that I could sound out and spell the words.  Reading became a joy for the first time.  I understood why people talked about constructing a beautiful sentence.  In college I was able to make the transition and start appreciating English for the first time.  I still struggle with spelling, but writing has gotten easier over the years.  I no longer cry before starting any writing assignment.  Progress.

So last night I'm sitting at a table in the Sheraton hotel conference room with my group of the Executive Leadership Program.  It is the opening session for our graduation week.  Our coordinator has asked the people who turned in their assignments early, those who did more than the requirements, those who lost weight, got promoted or changed jobs to all stand up and get recognized.  Then she asked me to stand.  In front of the whole group she said that she appreciated my program impact paper, that I was a wonderful writer and that my paper was one of the best she has ever read.  Excuse me?  Do you have the right person? For real?  I was floored.  Giddy.  When I got back to my room I couldn't stop laughing.  I have come full circle from the little girl who got 24 out of 25 words wrong on her first spelling test and was afraid to commit words to paper for not knowing how to write them -- to getting recognized in front of 160 of my peers for having the best paper.  Go figure.

Oh my, the Bruins just scored 2 goals in less than a minute.  It is game 6, a win or go home game for them in the Stanley Cup Finals.  Vancouver looks shell shocked.  Go Boston!

OK.  Back to the writing thing.  I have a self-inflicted inferiority complex that I have been working on.  Both my siblings are published authors.  They are brilliant and amazing.  Their writings are intellectual and inspirational.  I think of myself as a practical and less complex thinker.  I don't mean to sell myself short, but I'm aware that I have not developed the gift of painting with words, putting form to ideas, and constructing complex plots that they have.  I have a notebook of writings from when Selim was in the hospital that I would love to turn into a book but I have not put in the time to get it ready to send off to anybody to look at.  I also have this vision of a book that incorporates pictures of sacred buildings with text from the major religions.  A coffee table/meditation book that would be a compilation of inspirational writings to be paired with beautiful architecture.  May be this recognition will be the shot of confidence I need to actually pursue my visions.

The Bruins just scored again.  They are up 3 nothing, with 11 minutes to go in the first period.  Last night Dallas won the NBA finals, beating the Miami Heat in 6 games.  I was rooting for Dirk and the Mavs.  LaBron can wait another year before he gets his first ring, as far as I am concerned.

I am looking forward to the graduation from this program.  I have gotten a great deal out of these past nine months.  I hope I am coming out of it with a greater sense of myself and my ability to lead, listen, and learn.